How to trim a decade — with nothing but scissors! These haircuts work wonders.

Haircuts That Take Off 10 Years

Haircuts That Take Off 10 Years

There's no denying it: Your hair and face change as you get older. And so should your cut, because falling into a hair rut (quick test: have you changed your style in the past five years?) will age you faster than you can say, "I'll take a Dorothy Hamill." Finding the right cut and color can give a huge boost to your overall appearance, says New York City stylist Mark Garrison, who did the amazing makeovers shown here. Nervous about radical change? Then think smaller, says Garrison: "You can stick with your favorite style, but update it in little ways." The trick is to work with a stylist who focuses on three key factors: your bone structure, hair texture, and preferred maintenance level (how much time you're willing to spend on daily styling). Cover those bases and you're on your way to "Wow!"

Maryellen Hays, 60, Before

Maryellen Hays, 60, Before

• Lives in Middletown, NJ

• Says her hair is thick with cowlicks

Her Problems

"Maryellen's hairstyle was too severe," Garrison says. A long bob with bangs can be flattering, but her particular cut lacked shape and movement. She opted to cover her gray, but the dark, one-dimensional brown that she chose framed her face too starkly, as did her too-thick bangs. In her words: "I looked like a mushroom!"